Written by Zacrie L. Scott
Students here are quick to point out that LMU differs from its neighbors USC and UCLA. Overall, LMU is quiet and intimate. Palm trees dot the courtyards between the small buildings. On the exterior, LMU looks like an expensive school. The grounds are neatly manicured and constantly maintained. The school lacks the concrete sterility of a major university, but it possesses the advantages of a big city school-theaters, museums, and celebrities. The biggest contributor to student satisfaction is the size. Students cite a small student body and close ties with professors as the main advantages to an LMU education. Another plus is the lavish facilities, especially the Burns Rec Center with its state-of-the-art fitness center. The academics programs are also a highlight with students. The film school is growing in size and notoriety, while programs in political science, business, and communications are strong points.
On the negative side, a small university still possesses the same problems as a large university. Students repeatedly report problems with a disorganized administration, especially financial aid. Parking and housing are increasing problems that the University is only beginning to address through the addition of new residence halls. LMU is not perfect, but no university is. For students searching for a small, private university, LMU offers advantages that few other universities can provide, namely, a friendly, socially-conscious student body and a curriculum to match.